The Wiveton Bell, Holt

A well restored and maintained pub close to Cley in the foodie hub of North Norfolk. Fairly quiet on our visit on a late May Friday lunchtime-a few family groups were enjoying restaurant quality meals, as did we. More importantly,the couple of cask beers tried (both from Barsham), were of high quality,alongside the ubiquitous Ghost Ship. Yes,one for high days and holidays, but well worth it.

It was a non-food day when I was here on a Tuesday in early spring, and there were just a handful of people enjoying the warm sunshine when I arrived, having walked from Blakeney. Inside was the manager and no one else. He was friendly and welcoming, and I had a choice of four beers, Woodforde's Wherry and three from local Moon gazer. My half of their Pintail was in good condition and refreshing after my walk. This is quite a large village inn, in effect a double building with conservatory added on to the rear, making three large rooms, with not many walls but plenty of exposed beams and joists, with a fireplace to the right of the bar. There's a lot of art displayed on the walls, by two local artists and some of it for sale. Date of visit: 22nd March 2022

A restaurant with a slew of Michelin awards although it sells four cask beers and doesn’t object to beer swilling plebs just having a drink inside or out. Wherry and three from Moon Gazer.

Official site of The Wiveton Bell - www.wivetonbell.co.uk

Official site of The Wiveton Bell - www.wivetonbell.co.uk

We'd passed this pub earlier in the day on Sunday, en route to other pubs that were shutting earlier. It had been busy during the daytime and it was still busy when we returned later in the evening. There is a small car park next to the pub and a larger village car park a short distance away. The path from the village car park has small lights on a fence fitted with motion sensors to ensure you can find your way! Yet another Norfolk pub that will only allow you inside if you're dining, I was greeted by a friendly waitress, who did at least allow me to go to the bar to see what beers were on and who said she would bring my selection straight out. The outdoor seating area at the front of the pub was busy, with a mostly young upper middle class crowd. With hardly any light to be had, it was almost pitch black. You could just about make out a few other faces amidst the constant chatter. That did at least allow you to appreciate the night sky. Ales were Wiveton Bell Golden Ale (no idea of the brewer), Moon Gazer Wild One & Pintail & Woodforde's Wherry. I tried the Wild One, which was my least favourite of the 3 Moon Gazer beers I'd tried during the day. Some positive points for this pub. But a shame you're not allowed inside, especially when there were tables free.